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The work and pensions secretary has reacted with anger after 43 Church of England Bishops, including three from the West country, signed an open letter criticising plans to limit benefit increases to one per cent a year, claiming children will be the worst hit.

Ian Duncan Smith told Church leaders there is 'nothing moral' about their opposition to the government's welfare reforms.

Rt Rev Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter spoke to Cordelia Lynch about the open letter and why he signed it.

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The Bishop of Exeter and the Bishop of Truro have signed an open letter criticising government plans to change the benefits system, describing the "deeply disproportionate" effect the change will have on children.

The Rt Rev Michael Langrish and the Rt Rev Tim Thornton are among 43 others - including the Archbishop of Canterbury - who signed the letter to The Sunday Telegraph newspaper.